Page 8 of Choosing Her Earl at Last
Not long enough, Michael growled silently. The last thing that he needed was to run into the brother of the man who had taken his love away from him.
“Worthington,” Michael returned the greeting, his tone even in spite of the anger that flared within his chest.
“Nephew,” Colin’s father, Sir Edward Barrington, seeing the tension between the two men, intercepted. Edward had married Michael’s mother’s sister, Felicity. While not blood, they were as fond of one another as if they had been born family.
“Uncle,” Michael greeted him with a genuine smile.
“Are your dear mother and father with you?” Edward asked, searching the ballroom behind him.
“Alas, they are not.” Michael shook his head. “The country life is better suited to their health.”
Edward nodded in understanding. “Indeed, mine as well. We must go hunting again soon.”
“I would enjoy that immensely. Name the day and I will arrange it,” Michael agreed wholeheartedly.
“I see that Colin has recruited you in his quest to find a bride this Season,” his uncle noted with amusement in his eyes.
“He has indeed.” Michael nodded.
“He values your opinion as a brother. It pleases me to know that he will have your level head to guide him.” His uncle laid a fatherly hand on Michael’s shoulder, his tone softening for Michael’s ears only. “It is good to see you out in society once more. Do not let the gossips discourage you.”
Michael gave his uncle an appreciative look but said nothing further on the matter. His uncle, having said his peace, nodded and released his shoulder with a final squeeze.
“Did Aunt Felicity come with you?”
“She did indeed. She is in there somewhere.” He waved a hand toward the ballroom, “plotting with the other mothers for the future of their children. She is in her element, you know.” The glow of love and devotion in his uncle’s eyes for his wife was inspiring.
Michael understood why Colin did not wish to settle for anything less than what his parents enjoyed. “I do.” He chuckled fondly. “I should go and greet her properly. She will never let me hear the end of it if I do not.”
“Right you are, Nephew. Right you are.” Edward chuckled. “I shall join you. I have had enough of politics and cigar smoke for the moment.”
The two men reentered the ballroom together with Michael in better humor than when he had arrived. They made their way over to where Felicity Barrington stood with a gaggle of other mothers watching the proceedings with keen interest.
“Felicity, darling.” Edward rejoined his wife with a tender smile. “I have brought you your nephew.”
Felicity’s eyes lit up the moment that she saw Michael’s face. “Michael,” she exclaimed with true joy in her eyes as she embraced her nephew.
“Auntie,” Michael returned her embrace, then stepped back to smile down into her beautiful hazel eyes, so like Colin’s and his own.
“It is good to see you here,” Felicity said, thrilled with happiness at his presence.
“You may thank your son for it,” Michael admitted.
“I shall indeed.” Felicity nodded. “Speaking of my son, has he spoken with you about his quest?”
“He has, and I have offered him my services, as little as they may be, to aid in his endeavor.”
“Wonderful!” Felicity exclaimed, clapping her hands together with almost childlike exuberance. Some of the other ladies gave her a side-eyed look of reproach for such an exhibition of emotion, but she ignored them. Felicity had always marched to the tune of her own drum. It was one of the things that endeared her to Michael.
Smiling, he extended his hand for hers. “Shall we find some refreshments to bolster ourselves for the coming campaign?”
“Indeed,” Felicity agreed and took his hand, with a twinkle in her eyes. “Lead on, good sir.”
Michael, Felicity, and Edward made their way toward the tables laden with food and drink. The queen had spared no expense, providing only the best quality for her guests. The presentation of the debutantes to the queen was an immense moment of import and set the Season in motion.
Many grand balls and other social events would follow, but this was the moment for the available young noblemen and women of thetonto see and be seen. Marriage alliances would be formed from this very ball alone.
After seeing to his aunt and uncle’s needs, Michael led them both toward a lovely settee against the far wall that would give them an excellent vantage point from which to see the goings on of all those gathered while they enjoyed their repast.
